Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall.

Spice Detail Fruit In the field

Family: LEGUMINOSAE

Genus: Melilotus

Catalan common name: Almegó. Corona de rei. Melilot. Melilot oficinal. Trèvol d'olor. Trifoli olorós.

Spanish common name: Coronilla. Coronilla real. Hierba de los caminos. Meliloto. Mielga. Trébol de olor. Trébol de San Juan. Trébol real.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Ibiza.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Eurosiberian

Uses and properties: Medicinal.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Disturbed zones.

Characteristics: Differs from the rest of the Melilotus spp., as is has a very long inflorescence with many flowers that emerge opening at the base of the raceme, acquiring a triangular form during the flowering period. Fruits are pedunculate towards the top with slightly marked curved, parallel ribs. A classification key is necessary for the correct identification of the members of this genus.